a/n:

Thanks again for reading. I apologize for the passage of time between the last two updates. I've been pressed for time lately and it's been tough to get the ol' creativity going. I'll try to stay regular with the updates nonetheless.

A couple of interesting issues were brought up in the last review. The first was regarding the VF-1J's head lasers. I completely dropped the ball on that one. You're right, the VF-1J only has two lasers. I'm sure Roy's ghost is going to haunt me now...

The other comment had to do with Rick flying a VF-1A. That's also true; Rick never flew the low-end Veritech, since he started with the VF-1D and went to the VF-1J from there. But I switched Rick's Veritech, as well as his crew members, on purpose to reflect the circumstances of the story. I think the passage of time and the effects of battle in the Reconstruction Era should reflect some changes. I've tried to keep these changes minimal and accurate (even though they're speculation). But since nobody really knows what happened before Sentinels, I guess there's no real right or wrong.

Chapter 12

Rick's apartment was exactly as he had left it. Which was, surprisingly, very neat and tidy. His living room, kitchen, and even bedroom were nicely organized. But his refrigerator was empty as always. And Rick's long absence from the place had allowed a bit of dust to accumulate.

Lisa wiped the kitchen counter with a clean rag. She gave a troubled sigh as its surface gleamed, and reflected back an image of her face.

"I'm sorry, Rick...I just can't handle this! Living like this...it's terrible! It's killing both of us, and I just can't stand it!"

She had spoken those words a few days ago, in the cold confines of a hospital bed. The pale, lifeless colors, the mechanical monitors, and the all-present scent of sterility were enough to drive her mad. And they only proved her case.

But Rick had been at her side constantly. He slept at her bedside in the Ultimatum's sickbay. And when Rick was given leave to New Macross, he convinced Breetai and Reeve that she was well enough travel with him. He spent the days and nights with her at the hospital. And it was Rick's petition that allowed Lisa to go home early.

I don't want him to feel bad, she thought, leaning with her shoulders on the counter. It's not his fault...and I'm sure he's suffering as much as I am. He shouldn't feel sorry for me...

She pulled a chair up to the counter, and sat down. Besides... I want more than just his pity...

The front door unlocked and Rick stepped in. He carefully balanced a pair of grocery sacks under his arms. "Hey, Lisa!" he smiled. "I'm back! This should fill up the fridge for a while."

He set the bags down on the counter, and gave Lisa a hug. "I thought you'd need some extra rest," he said. "You didn't fall asleep until early this morning."

"Mm-hmm," smiled Lisa, trying to push the dust rag out of sight. "Thanks for staying up with me."

"Oh, don't mention...wait a minute..." Rick pointed at the cloth in her hand. "Are you cleaning my place again?"

"Hmm? Oh! Well, I guess. Just a little dusting, that's all."

Rick shook his head. "Aw, you shouldn't have to do that. I mean, I appreciate it and all! The place looks terriffic. But you're on vacation, you know?"

"I know," Lisa replied bashfully. "Sorry...it sort of...helps take my mind off things. It keeps me busy."

"Oh, well...go right ahead!" shrugged Rick. He began pulling some groceries from the bags. "Just make yourself comfortable. I'll give you a hand in a second."

He noticed, Lisa sighed inwardly. If only he knew how much that means to me...

Rick pulled at his shirt collar nervously and dug through the grocery bag again. "Oh, that's right!" he exclaimed, triumphantly breaking the silence. "I stopped at your landlord's place today."

"Oh!" said Lisa. "How did that go?"

"Uhmm..." Rick raised his eyes to her. "Unpleasantly. I guess he's still a little sore at you for missing the rent."

Lisa sighed. "I was orbiting the planet, for goodness sake! What more of an excuse does he want?"

"I know, I know," Rick waved. "He's a loser. I did everything I could, though. Talked with him until he kicked me out. He wouldn't even take double the next month's rent, in advance! Can you believe that?"

"Gosh, that's just -- " Lisa raised her eyes. "You were going to pay my rent?" she smiled.

Rick cleared his throat and looked around. "Well...you needed a place, and I wasn't about to walk away from the guy..."

She blushed and smiled. "Thanks, Rick." Her hand slid the rag across the clean counter. "So...I guess I'm homeless, huh?" she laughed.

"Oh no, you're not!" replied Rick, setting a jar of pickles firmly on the counter. "Don't even worry about it. You're on vacation, so just let me take care of it. You could even stay here if you want."

Lisa blushed even deeper.

Rick let his words catch up to him. "But," he quickly added, turning a little red himself. "You deserve a place of your own. I can take a ride through Macross and see what's available. You'll be in an apartment in no time."

"That...means a lot, Rick," Lisa smiled. "But really, you don't have to. I'd feel guilty, just sitting here while you drove all over Macross..."

He pulled up a chair, and sat down beside her. "Would you like to come with me? I hear the apartments are great downtown. We could spend an hour or two looking, have something to eat, maybe do a little shopping. What do you think?"

Lisa wiped a tear off her cheek. "Rick..." she sighed, "that sounds wonderful."

"Is everything all right?" he asked her, and placed his hand on her shoulder. Lisa drew close and kissed his cheek.

"Everything's all right," she whispered.

They picked up their coats and left the apartment, hand-in-hand. But not a minute passed, and the door swung back open. Rick and Lisa ran back in, stepping over each other in laughter.

"I'll put the groceries away!" said Rick.

"I'll turn the lights off!" Lisa replied.